Bifunctional Z-Scheme Ag/AgVO3/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for expired ciprofloxacin degradation and hydrogen production from natural rainwater without using scavengers

Abstract To maximize the employment of sustainable solar energy in treating the recalcitrant pollutant and hydrogen energy production, the development of a highly efficient photocatalyst is desirable. Herein, a Z-scheme Ag/AgVO3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst was synthesized via a wet-impregnation method. The amount of Ag/AgVO3 deposited onto g-C3N4 has a significant effect on the photocharge carrier separation and migration of the as-developed Z-scheme photocatalyst. It was found that 0.5 wt % Ag/AgVO3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst exhibited a profound photocatalytic degradation performance with 82.6% ciprofloxacin removal and 3.57 mmol/h of hydrogen produced from natural rainwater under visible-light irradi…